Sugiono speaks with Saudi Foreign Minister to discuss regional de-escalation efforts

Jakarta – Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono contacted Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan by telephone to discuss escalation in the Middle East region on Wednesday, 4 March. ‘I spoke with His Excellency the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The Government of Indonesia expresses deep concern over the latest escalation of the conflict in the Middle East region,’ Sugiono said in a statement posted on his X platform on Wednesday. He underscored the importance of upholding sovereignty and the territorial integrity of each country in accordance with international law and the principles contained in the UN Charter. ‘I also conveyed Indonesia’s continued support for de-escalation and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint,’ he said. Meanwhile, via the X account of the Saudi Foreign Ministry, FM Faisal said that they had just received a telephone call from the Indonesian Foreign Minister. It was noted that during the call both sides discussed the latest developments in the region and the various efforts underway to ease the conflict. The United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes against Iran on Saturday, including Tehran, causing infrastructure damage and casualties, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran then retaliated by launching drone and missile attacks against Israel and US assets in several Gulf states. In response to the escalation in the Middle East, Indonesia called for an immediate halt to hostilities and said it was ready to facilitate dialogue to restore regional stability. In an official statement on X on Saturday, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said that President Prabowo Subianto was willing to travel to Tehran to mediate if the parties to the conflict agree.